The center of the action.

Historic. The Georgian-style double staircase in the lobby notwithstanding, the hotel was built in the 1970s.

In a city filled with enviable locations, Charleston Place has perhaps the most covetable: the historic market is just outside the front door, King Street's boutiques are out the back. Within are 435 rooms that exude Southern charm, with poster beds, reading nooks and original art; plush bathrooms are tiled in Italian marble. There's also a hopping lobby bar, a pool with a retractable roof, a high-end shopping arcade, three restaurants (the Charleston Grill features live jazz) and a spa. But it's the service—personal, helpful and genteel—that keeps guests coming back again and again.

You want that famous Charleston charm, but also the amenities, service levels and convenience of a large hotel.

Up on the fourth floor, you're floating in the warm salt- and mineral-water pool, gazing up at the skylight—when suddently the glass roof begins to retract, allowing the warm Carolina air to rush in. .

Charleston Grill - American

Palmetto Cafe

Thoroughbred Club

The hotel lobby bar